Degrees and Programs

Degree Programs

In our School, what you learn inside and outside the classroom empowers you to think, create and act differently. Our talented students become extraordinary musicians, teachers, scholars, and entrepreneurs by developing their minds, their talents and their vision. As an incoming undergraduate or graduate music student, you’ll find the atmosphere abounds with creativity, innovation and inspiration. Our emphasis is on making the most of who you are and what you want to become. Your individual exploration and educational needs are our primary concern.

Our School offers prospective students the opportunity to study and perform the world’s greatest music with distinguished artist/faculty in one of the finest concert venues in the region. Our student population is dynamic and culturally diverse.

Bachelor of Music Degree Programs

This degree is a professional degree in performance, education, composition, or music technology. A more musically intensive degree, it is designed for students who intend on pursuing a career in one of these musical disciplines. All entering students must provide evidence of performance ability (vocal or instrumental) through an ensemble.

Composition

Audition Requirements

Submit a portfolio of 3 or 4 of your works consisting of sound files and/or videos. Works can be for acoustic, electronic, mixed, and with/without videos.

Demonstrate your craft and depth of compositional knowledge exhibiting an awareness of contemporary aesthetics and techniques.

Include works for a variety of instruments/voices and sizes of ensembles (solo, chamber, etc.).

Make clear your interest in composition as a major and what the student expects to gain from their studies at FIU in this area.

Provide your background in music and guitar (when, how long, what kind of guitar(s), what musical style(s) you studied and played).

Provide examples of performed repertoire.

For the live auditions, applicants should be prepared to perform two compositions in contrasting styles, from memory. Play short pieces or exercises you feel most comfortable. Your performance doesn’t have to be prepared perfectly, it will only serve to demonstrate your playing style. Major and minor scales and basic arpeggios may be requested. If you have a video of your performance available online, please provide the url link.

This should include your goals in the music industry, why do you wish to study music business, what strengths do you bring to the program, what are your weaknesses relative to the music business?

Music Business Essay

This should be a 1000-word (not including references or bibliography) essay, typed and double-spaced using MLA or Chicago style. You may choose one of the following two topics:

The LiveNation company has merged with many music affiliated industries. How has this conglomerate changed the music industry? It is important to understand what facets of the music industry this company now holds. Comment briefly on the process of what happened and how musicians are now working with this commercial venture or capitalizing on its merger.

The nonprofit sector of the music industry has developed at a much slower rate than the commercial side of the industry for various reasons. Please state your opinion on the business aspects of the non-profit music industry, and the reason for its gradual development. You may chose examples of leadership, management, or artistic direction from international symphony orchestras, domestic (U.S.) symphony orchestras, chamber ensembles, music organizations, or performing arts centers with major music programming.

Tell us about a time when you acted as a teacher and what challenges and questions that experience raised for you. How might it have impacted your decision to become a music educator. If you do not have any teaching experiences describe a teacher you had in the past who was effective and why. Describe a teacher who was not effective and why.

A common saying states that: “those who can’t do, teach!” How would you respond to such a statement, and what evidence would you offer?

Two to three page (approximately 1000 word) essay outlining the candidate’s previous experience with different forms of music technology such as digital audio editing, notation work, sequencing MIDI instruments, recording, performing live sound, etc. as well as the candidate’s interests in music technology.

A portfolio of two or three audio or video works that demonstrate the candidate’s previous experiences with music technology

Interview interview with the Music Technology area coordinator. This interview occurs after successful admission to FIU and may be in person, by phone, or by e-mail. This interview features three main discussion points:

Candidate’s reasons for wanting to pursue a degree in music technology

Technique: selections from all Major and Harmonic minor scales and arpeggios, four octaves, in unison, without pedal. Videotaped auditions: please contact Dr. López to receive the prescribed technical requirements one day prior to uploading.

Sight-reading: The applicant must show a certain proficiency in sight-reading. The basic competency level consists of simple homophonic pieces in close position. Videotaped auditions: please contact Dr. López to receive the prescribed technical requirements one day prior to uploading.

Performance Majors and Principals must submit an 8-10 minute video containing 2 (Classical and Romantic eras) of the four pieces intended for your audition. The video must include:

A video of at least five minutes in length demonstrating your playing in contrasting styles/works.

Audition repertoire for violin, viola, cello, harp and double bass:

One movement of any solo work by Bach

One movement of a standard concerto or concert piece

Scales and arpeggios in three octaves

Audition repertoire for contrabass:

Prepare scales and arpeggios in three octaves and a work on the level of the Eccles sonata, the Dragonetti concerto, the Hindemith sonata, or the Koussevitzky concerto. In addition, applicants may be required to play and/or sight read orchestral excerpts to demonstrate knowledge of standard orchestral repertoire.

Submit a high quality video(s) recording and a brief description of your experience in the voice idiom (in school or otherwise) and with whom you have studied. Transfer students will also be asked to complete a Diction Diagnostic Test.

High School Applicants: three art songs in two different languages

Sophomore Transfers: four art songs in three different languages

Junior Transfers: five art songs or arias in four different languages

Senior Transfers: six art songs or arias in four different languages.

Non-Performance Majors (Composition, Music Business, Music Education, or Music Technology):

High school applicants—two art songs in two different languages

Sophomore transfers—three art songs in two different languages

Junior transfers—four art songs or arias in three different languages

Senior transfers—five art songs or arias in three different languages.

All prospective students must submit a high quality video or audio recording, five to seven minutes in length, of the items listed below in audition information. Include a brief description of your experience (in school or otherwise) and with whom you have studied.

Master of Music Degree Programs

Our graduate programs let you hone your skills in the following areas: Applied Music, Conducting, Music Business, Music Composition, and Music Technology. It is a two-year program for students who hold a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent and are looking for a master’s degree in their area of specialty.

Composition

Audition Requirements

Submit a portfolio of 3 or 4 of your works consisting of sound files and/or videos. Works can be for acoustic, electronic, mixed, and with/without videos.

Demonstrate your craft and depth of compositional knowledge exhibiting an awareness of contemporary aesthetics and techniques.

Include works for a variety of instruments/voices and sizes of ensembles (solo, chamber, etc.).

Make clear your interest in composition as a major and what the student expects to gain from their studies at FIU in this area.

A video or online link 20-30 minutes long with the candidate conducting a wind ensemble, concert band and/or chamber wind group from the ensemble’s perspective. The video will need to feature rehearsal and performance excerpts.

Copy of transcript(s).

Provide names and emails of two people that you would like to submit a letter of recommendation on your behalf.

A video or online link 20-30 minutes long with the candidate conducting a wind ensemble, concert band and/or chamber wind group from the ensemble’s perspective. The video will need to feature rehearsal and performance excerpts.

Copy of transcript(s).

Provide names and emails of two people that you would like to submit a letter of recommendation on your behalf.

Upload your biography with detailed background in music and guitar including the following information: when did you study, where have you studied and with whom, how long have you studied, what kind of guitar(s), what musical style(s), work experience, awards (if any), and a chronological list of concerts and festivals in which you have performed.

Upload a list of repertoire you have worked on and indicate works performed in concert (both solo and ensemble).

Upload a video(s) of your playing (either from a live concert performance or studio/home recording). If you have a video of your performance available online, then provide a url link.

A 5-7 minute, high quality video or audio recording(s). Include a brief description of your experience in the Jazz idiom (in school or otherwise) and with whom you have studied. Graduate prospects add information of where you earned your undergraduate degree.

Pre-Screening videos should include the melody and at least one chorus of improvisation on each of the following:

This should include your goals in the music industry, why do you wish to study music business, what strengths do you bring to the program, what are your weaknesses relative to the music business?

Music Business Essay

This should be a 1000-word (not including references or bibliography) essay, typed and double-spaced using MLA or Chicago style. You may choose one of the following two topics:

The LiveNation company has merged with many music affiliated industries. How has this conglomerate changed the music industry? It is important to understand what facets of the music industry this company now holds. Comment briefly on the process of what happened and how musicians are now working with this commercial venture or capitalizing on its merger.

The nonprofit sector of the music industry has developed at a much slower rate than the commercial side of the industry for various reasons. Please state your opinion on the business aspects of the non-profit music industry, and the reason for its gradual development. You may chose examples of leadership, management, or artistic direction from international symphony orchestras, domestic (U.S.) symphony orchestras, chamber ensembles, music organizations, or performing arts centers with major music programming.

A portfolio of software, hardware, electro-acoustic compositions, sound design, and/or other works involving technology preferably focusing on creative applications of technology. The purpose of this is to best evaluate the candidate’s skill levels and depth of knowledge of music technology techniques, history, and aesthetics.

A C.V. outlining the applicant’s studies and work with music technology and academic background

Provide the names and emails of two people that you would like to submit a letter of recommendation on your behalf.

In certain instances M.M. candidates will also have an interview with the Area Coordinator. The purpose of this interview is to better understand the candidate’s interest and previous experiences with music technology.

A video of at least five minutes in length demonstrating your playing in contrasting styles/works.

Audition repertoire for violin, viola, cello, harp and double bass:

One movement of any solo work by Bach

One movement of a standard concerto or concert piece

Scales and arpeggios in three octaves

Audition repertoire for contrabass:

Prepare scales and arpeggios in three octaves and a work on the level of the Eccles sonata, the Dragonetti concerto, the Hindemith sonata, or the Koussevitzky concerto. In addition, applicants may be required to play and/or sight read orchestral excerpts to demonstrate knowledge of standard orchestral repertoire.

Include a brief description of your experience in the voice idiom (school or otherwise) and with whom you have studied. Graduate students will also be asked to complete a Diction Diagnostic Test. Submit a high quality video recording(s), including all of the items listed below in the Pre-Screen Requirements:

Minimum seven selections

Minimum four languages and style periods

Minimum one opera aria

Minimum one oratorio aria

One German-language “Lied”

One French-language “Melodie”

One late 20th century American or British art song (in English), which represents post-Romantic, non-Common Practice compositional style.

The final two selections may be chosen by the candidate from the above categories or from an additional language or style period.

All prospective students must submit a high quality video or audio recording, five to seven minutes in length, of the items listed below in audition information. Include a brief description of your experience (in school or otherwise) and with whom you have studied.

Master of Science in Music Education

Now, you can complete the your Master of Science either onsite or fully online! This flexible program is designed to help music educators enhance their abilities as musicians and teachers. This program will help you explore new career opportunities and form a greater connection with your students through music. For more information, contact the Coordinator of Music Education Dr. Candice Davenport.

Audition Requirements

A 20-30 minute video recording of classroom teaching (should not be a concert or performance).

Submit a 1000 word essay on “The Challenges and Possibilities for Music Education in the 21st Century.”

Upload a copy of your transcript(s)

Provide the names and emails of two people you would like to submit a letter of recommendation on your behalf.

A personal interview will be scheduled after all sets above have been completed. Interviews can be done on-site or done via Skype. All interviews will be no more than 30 minutes long and will focus equally on the following criteria:

The capacity to articulate ideas clearly and concisely.

The capacity to demonstrate inter-personal skills.

The capacity to detail key challenges in the field of music education as well as demonstrate basic knowledge of the field.

The capacity to delineate their own educational and professional goals.

Minor in Music

The music minor gives students majoring in other disciplines the opportunity to continue formalized study in music and build music into their lives and broaden and deepen their knowledge and musical experiences.

Minor in Music Composition

A Minor in Music Composition is available for students receiving the Bachelor of Music degree in areas of studies other than composition.

Minor in Sacred Music

A minor is Sacred Music is available for students receiving the Bachelor of Music degree or the Bachelor of Arts in Music degree and is designed to allow music majors to further and develop the skills and expertise needed to work successfully in the area of sacred music.

Certificate in Music Business

The certificate in Music Business affords non-music as well as music majors the opportunity to acquire fundamental music business skills required of the current industry trends and standards. As the fundamental process in music business functionalities int he music business industry seeks to employ proficient, knowledgable applicants in the field of music business.